Dáil debates

Wednesday, 16 May 2018

Data Protection Bill 2018 [Seanad]: Report Stage (Resumed)

 

6:50 pm

Photo of Donnchadh Ó LaoghaireDonnchadh Ó Laoghaire (Cork South Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There is no need to apologise, as I only indicated once. I will speak in support of the amendments which constitute a significant proposal. As mentioned in the context of other legislation, there is an inequality of arms in the legal system. I am not just referring to the making of complaints to the Data Protection Commissioner but also to taking cases to court which can be difficult. If one does not have the money to do so, that remedy is beyond one's reach.

Although it would not address all of the issues raised in the amendments, the Multi-Party Actions Bill 2017 would, to some extent, offer an avenue for persons who had been wronged in any of a variety of ways, including data breaches, to work together in taking a case. I remind the Minister that a money message is required to enable that legislation to proceed to Committee Stage. I hope he will be in a position to provide that message in order that multi-party actions can be taken, as they would not only address data breaches collectively but also a wider variety of issues.

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